Why we are doing Full Throttle
Sometimes life delivers moments that split everything into before and after.
For me, that moment came on March 19th, 2022, at around 6:40pm.
It had been an ordinary day. I was bringing in the washing when my phone rang “Cindy, those sirens are for Millie. You need to be here.”
I could already hear them, so many sirens and I remember thinking, that’s a lot… that’s not good.
Earlier, my 17-year-old daughter had called out “Hooray!” as she rushed out the door after work to ride her horse, something she did most days. It was her routine, nothing out of the ordinary.
I threw on my thongs, grabbed my keys, and ran - not even stopping to close the door. I assumed she’d had a horse accident.
But just seven kilometres down the road, everything stopped. A Westpac Rescue Helicopter sat in the middle of the road. Emergency vehicles and personnel were everywhere. And then I saw her car twisted metal, barely recognisable.
I had spent 30 years in frontline rescue. I came from a family of first responders. I had foolishly believed this was something that happened to other people. We were the ones who helped. Not the ones who needed help. I was wrong.
Millie’s car rolled 107 metres before she was ejected. There was no phone use, no speed, no drugs or alcohol, just inexperience. Her injuries were horrific and life-threatening.
I will forever be grateful to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and the critical care team on board. They stabilised her at the scene and flew her to John Hunter Hospital nearly 320 kilometres away, when every minute truly mattered.
Millie is still learning how to navigate her new life, with ongoing medical care and specialist appointments. Without WRHS, I’m terrified to think how different her outcome could have been.
Every day she keeps pushing forward. Everyday she is a miracle.
Family and friends are coming together at Full Throttle to support the incredible work of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and we’d love you to join us.
We’re taking on a 4-day motorbike ride, starting in Manilla on Friday, 20th March, covering 1,274 km to raise vital funds. All riders, caravanners, and support crew are self-funded, so every dollar raised goes directly to the Service.
Not a rider? You can still be involved through fundraising, supporting, or spreading the word. And along the way, listen out for Mr Stephen Haggety, who’ll be releasing a new song during the journey.
Get involved and help us give back to the Service that was there when we needed them most.
Registration
Friday March 20 - Monday March 23 2026
REGISTRATIONS OPEN MID JANUARY 2026
Participating in the Ride -$30
Under 16s - $20
QUESTIONS - Contact us
Route
